An immediate
enigma is created at the start of I am Legend, and this is done to set the scene for the entire film. In doing so it causes immediate anticipation and excitement from the audience, pushing them to the edge of their seat from the off. This works well as it improves the viewing experience and keeps them interested.
Establishing shots show downtown New York as an abandoned wasteland, normally one of the busiest locations in the world is completely dead. The
diegetic sound of wildlife is all that can be heard, and that would be impossible in this day in age. This would show the viewer that something has happened to cause this, and a hint is the
prop of a billboard-esque sign that reads 'quarantine' and 'contagious'. This increases suspense as it connotes that there could be something monstrous lurking somewhere. The overgrown greenery and rusted cars indicate that nature has taken over humans, making the audience assume that there can't be many humans to fight it. This contrast of nature vs grey desolation makes the audience ask "where are the civilians?"
The
birds eye view that tracks the car gives an indication of the sheer destruction and severity of the situation, and then out of no where comes a sports car with the
protagonist holding a gun. This
prop in itself confuses the audience as it doesn't seem like the time or the place for this, but the relaxed nature of Will Smith indicates danger but that it is normal because he needs to defend himself, furthering the viewers questions and anticipation. In addition this could make them assume he is the
protagonist. The use of
POV shots work well because it gives the audience a taste of what the
protagonist is experiencing.
The
editing works well, creating a calm atmosphere because of the lack of activity in the city, but also showing relative intensity through
cuts, car sounds and
facial expressions. This gives a sense of abandonment and connotes that the
protagonist is alone because the only
sound that breaks the eerie silence is the sound being made by him. This idea of nature against humanity is extended through
sound as it is dominated by wildlife until the
protagonist enters, empowering himself over nature. The
eyeline match between the
protagonist and his dog indicates the connection between the two, leading the audience to assume that he could be a big part of his life if not the only thing in his life.
Callum - you have shown that you have a sound understanding of some of the techniques used to create the thriller openings, and you have used some terms. They are rather short however, so try to add more material to each one. There is a lot more you could say about particular techniques (the detail of mise en scene for example or shot size, angle and movement). There is nothing here really on narrative techniques or use of theory to explain how and why the films begin as they do. Try to use terms and examples to discuss disequilibrium/equilibrium if relevant. If the opening throws us straight into the action, explain why this is effective, using terms. Try to use term 'restricted narration', enigma etc. Highlight where you use these terms too. Say more about the identification of protagonist and antagonist - who they might be, and how you know.
ReplyDeleteWork so far here is lower level 3. Add comments in all of your analyses that move your work on as a group - what are you inspired by?
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